Whether elbows, shells, rotini, cavatappi, or peace signs—cover any style of pasta with some type of cheesy deliciousness and we won’t say no. Mac’ n cheese is the ultimate, classic American comfort food that has undergone some of the biggest variations and transformations possible. Whether made with gorgonzola and lobster or simply from the blue box, grab a big bowl and get ready to dig in to a winter staple for everyone’s cabinet or check out a few favorite cheesy spots below.

 

So you were looking for a large plate of mac’ n cheese Queens-style? Look no further, The Queens Kickshaw makes the classic dish with gruyere, cheddar, smoked mozzarella, French green beans, caramelized onions and topped off with tomato cream. It is nicely paired with their Foggy Ridge Serious Cider, giving a new spin on the classic cheddar cheese and sliced apples snack.  

www.thequeenskickshaw.com 40-17 Broadway, Astoria, NY

 

 

 

Five Points is where you will find the traditional elbow mac mixed with a seemingly non-traditional mixture of evaporated milk, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and gruyere to create a light and flavorful creamy sauce with a classic bread crumb topping; a classier take on the dish sans the lobster and truffle oil.  

www.fivepointsrestaurant.com 31 Great Jones Stree, New York, NY

 

 

 

Artisanal is a fromagerie and a layer of heaven for those who love all things cheese. For a simple, old-world taste of mac’ n cheese, this is the place. Penne pasta baked with a blend of cheeses and a Parmesan-panko crusty top.  

www.artisanalbistro.com 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY

 

 

 

When a BBQ joint with Missouri-made smokers, Memphis-style baby back ribs, a jazz club downstairs and a pitmaster on premises offers up a plate of mac’ n cheese… trust that they will do the southern-authentic-hearty -thing justice, complete with a slightly-browned cheesy top.  You'll fine that and more at Blue Smoke! 

www.bluesmoke.com/blue 116 E 27th Street, New York, NY

 

 

 

 

Cafeteria comes in last with a triple threat: a choice of macaroni with cheddar and Fontina, smoked Gouda and bacon, or buffalo chicken and bleu cheese (all with or without truffle oil). Can’t decide? Just order their Mac Attack for $14 and get a sample of all three. Still not sure because you just happened to be craving Asian cuisine and American comfort food? Cafeteria still has your remedy: mac’ n cheese spring rolls with a smoked Gouda dipping sauce; and they are open 24/7 so whether you ‘re jonesing for the cheesy goods on a rainy day or you are in need of some major inebriated noshing at 3 am, this is your place.

www.cafeteriagroup.com 119 7th Avenue, New York, NY

 

So next time you have a hankering for some really, really good mac, you know where to stroll. However, if you feel like staying in and enjoying bowl after bowl of the cheesy indulgence while watching a Dexter marathon, then stock your cupboards with Annie’s Organic Peace Pasta and Parmesan. It is utterly addicting--Peace-sign pasta in a parmesan and garlic sauce. Made with half a cup of plain yogurt instead of butter and milk gives the dish an even tangier and creamier flavor and is a perfect complement for the edgy parmesan cheese.  Happy mac’ in!